Michael E. Gates Jr., a 38-year-old Canton, OH resident, tragically lost his life on May 20, 2021. Gates was fatally shot outside his apartment in the 300 block of Ninth Street NE. The incident occurred during a gun sale that turned deadly. Gates' death was ruled a homicide, and the investigation quickly led to the arrest of Zachary Becker, a 31-year-old man from Doylestown, OH.
Becker was charged with murder, felonious assault, tampering with evidence, and two firearm specifications.
According to court records and testimony, Becker met with Gates to sell him a firearm, but an altercation ensued, resulting in Becker fatally shooting Gates. Becker attempted to evade arrest but was captured by the U.S. Marshals Violent Fugitive Task Force the following day.
In April 2022, a Stark County jury convicted Becker of murder for Gates' death. Becker was immediately sentenced to 21 years to life in prison by Judge Chryssa Hartnett. During the trial, Becker testified that he regretted hiding the gun and attempting to destroy evidence but never expressed regret for taking Gates' life. Gates' family declined to speak publicly during the trial but submitted a letter to the judge to consider during sentencing.
The case highlighted the dangers associated with illegal firearm transactions and the severe consequences that can result from such encounters. Becker's conviction and sentencing brought some measure of justice for Gates' family and the Canton community, though the loss of Michael E. Gates Jr. remains a poignant reminder of the impact of gun violence.
